If you have ever craved a dish that bursts with bold flavors and comforting textures, then you’re going to adore this Navajo Tacos (Indian Fry Bread) Recipe. This beloved Native American classic features soft, fluffy fry bread piled high with savory seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, melty cheese, cool sour cream, and tangy salsa, creating an irresistible symphony of tastes and textures. It’s a festive, hands-on meal perfect for sharing with family and friends, delivering warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though the Navajo Tacos (Indian Fry Bread) Recipe might look like a fancy meal, its ingredients are surprisingly simple. Each one has a special role in making this dish delicious—from the basic flour creating the perfect fry bread base to the fresh vegetables adding vibrant color and crispness to each taco.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the fry bread, providing a light yet chewy texture.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the dough puff up beautifully when fried.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
- ¾ cup warm water: Softens the dough for easy kneading and frying.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Use enough to shallow fry the bread to a golden perfection.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein base for the taco topping.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and texture to the seasoned meat.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: Brings that classic southwestern spice blend bursting with flavor.
- ½ cup water: Helps simmer the taco meat to tender, juicy perfection.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: Provides a refreshing, crisp contrast to the warm bread and meat.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes: Adds juicy freshness that brightens each bite.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on the hot fry bread for cheesy goodness.
- ½ cup sour cream: Creamy and cool, balancing the spices perfectly.
- ½ cup salsa: Kicks up the flavor with a tangy, zesty finish.
How to Make Navajo Tacos (Indian Fry Bread) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fry Bread Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl – these dry ingredients are your base for the traditional fry bread. Slowly stir in the warm water and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface until smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then cover it and let it rest for 30 minutes; this relaxation step makes the dough easier to work with and ensures the perfect fluffiness when fried.
Step 2: Shape and Fry the Bread
Divide the rested dough into six equal pieces, rolling each into a circle roughly one-quarter inch thick. Heating 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit is essential—this temperature crisps the outside while puffing the bread inside. Fry each dough circle for 1 to 2 minutes per side, turning gently until golden brown and beautifully puffed up. Once fried, place the bread on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 3: Cook the Taco Meat
While your fry bread cools slightly, cook the ground beef and diced onion in a skillet over medium heat until nicely browned. Drain away any unwanted fat, then add the taco seasoning and half a cup of water to the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for five minutes, giving the flavors a chance to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Step 4: Assemble Your Navajo Tacos (Indian Fry Bread) Recipe
Now comes the fun part—assembling your Navajo tacos! Lay each piece of fry bread flat, then pile on the warm taco meat, followed by the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, and a drizzle of salsa. Serve immediately to enjoy the wonderful contrast of crispy, warm bread and fresh, flavorful toppings.
How to Serve Navajo Tacos (Indian Fry Bread) Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Navajo Tacos with garnishes that bring extra flavor and texture. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh herbal note. Add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness or a few slices of jalapeño if you like a little heat to balance the richness of fry bread and beef.
Side Dishes
Serve your Navajo Tacos alongside simple sides like a cool, creamy coleslaw or a colorful corn and black bean salad. These sides add crunch and lighten the meal, making it both hearty and satisfying without feeling too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Try serving these tacos on small wooden platters or colorful pottery to highlight their Southwestern roots. You can also turn them into mini hand pies by folding the fry bread over the taco meat and toppings, perfect for casual parties or on-the-go meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store your fry bread and taco meat separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the bread from getting soggy and the meat fresh for the next day.
Freezing
Both fry bread and cooked taco meat freeze beautifully. Wrap the fry bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag, while the taco meat should be cooled and stored in a separate freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat fry bread in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes to bring back its crispy exterior and fluffy inside. Warm the taco meat gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Then, assemble your Navajo Tacos just as fresh as the first time!
FAQs
What is Indian Fry Bread?
Indian fry bread is a soft, deep-fried flatbread that originated with Native American tribes. It is the base of Navajo Tacos and is prized for its golden, fluffy texture and slightly crispy exterior.
Can I make Navajo Tacos vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for beans, lentils, or a seasoned vegetable mixture to keep the classic flavors but suit a vegetarian diet.
Is fry bread gluten-free?
Traditional fry bread uses all-purpose wheat flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free alternative, you would need to experiment with gluten-free flours and possibly adjust the recipe as native fry bread is typically made with regular flour.
How can I make the fry bread less greasy?
Make sure your oil is at the right temperature when frying—too low and the bread will absorb more oil. Also, draining the fry bread on paper towels immediately after frying helps remove excess oil.
Are Navajo Tacos traditionally served with these toppings?
While the classic toppings include seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and salsa, many variations exist, including beans, chicken, or even sweet toppings depending on personal and regional preferences.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Navajo Tacos (Indian Fry Bread) Recipe that makes it a standout dish for any occasion. Its combination of soft, crispy bread and bold, fresh toppings is nothing short of magic. Whether you’re making it for a festive gathering or a cozy night in, I promise this recipe will warm your heart and satisfy your soul. Go ahead, dive into this delicious tradition and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Print
Navajo Tacos (Indian Fry Bread) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes resting)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Native American, Southwestern
Description
Navajo Tacos, made with classic Indian Fry Bread topped with seasoned ground beef and fresh toppings, offer a delicious and hearty Southwestern-inspired main course. This recipe combines crispy, golden fry bread with flavorful taco meat, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, melted cheddar cheese, cool sour cream, and zesty salsa for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
Fry Bread Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm water
- Vegetable oil for frying
Taco Topping
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly stir in the warm water until a soft dough forms. Knead lightly on a floured surface for 2 to 3 minutes until the dough is smooth. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten and improve texture.
- Shape the Fry Bread: Divide the rested dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle approximately ¼-inch thick, ensuring even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Fry the Bread: Heat 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry each dough circle for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and puffed. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Cook the Taco Meat: While frying the bread, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add the taco seasoning and ½ cup water, then simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Navajo Tacos: Place each piece of freshly fried bread on a plate. Top with a generous portion of seasoned taco meat, followed by shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and salsa. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Fry bread is best served fresh but can be made ahead and reheated in a 350°F oven for a few minutes.
- For variety, substitute taco meat with cooked beans or shredded chicken.
- Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F to ensure crispy, non-greasy fried bread.
- Kneading the dough just until smooth prevents tough fry bread.
